Dysport and Botox are popular injectable cosmetic treatments used to reduce the signs of aging on the face and forehead. In fact, Botox injections have been a household name for decades, and Dysport is rising to that status. Both are FDA-approved, as safe and effective as medical uses, but they’re most popular as injectable cosmetic treatments.
How Do They Work?
Botox and Dysport actually work the same way and are meant to treat wrinkles that form due to tense facial muscles. Due to certain facial expressions, certain muscles get stuck in a tense, contracted state, creating wrinkles and creases in the skin above those muscles.
Dysport and Botox have purified forms of a natural material called botulinum toxin. They work by blocking the nerves in the tensed facial muscles. The muscles stop receiving a message from the brain to contract, so they relax and become smooth.
What Is Botox?
It is a neuromodulator approved by the FDA to treat forehead lines, fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet), and glabellar lines. The Botox procedure is just the same with Dysport. Moreover, the procedure is done at the doctor’s office with minimal recovery time.
In fact, Botox is a well-known cosmetic treatment used to treat aging signs. It was first approved by the FDA in 1989 and has been the drug used in many medical applications, such as uncontrollable blinking, overactive bladders, severe sweating, and more.
What Is Dysport?
On the other hand, Dysport reduces the appearance of lines that affect the glabella, the area between the eyebrows. Specifically, these lines extend upward between the eyebrows toward the forehead. These lines are especially noticeable when frowning or squinting.
Like Botox, Dysport treats the signs of aging in the skin but specifically focuses on the glabellar lines on the forehead. In addition, Dysport is also a minimally invasive injection made with the botulinum toxin that the FDA approved in 2009. Aside from its cosmetic uses, Dysport can be used to treat cervical dystonia as well as upper and lower limb spasticity.
What Can Botox And Dysport Treat?
- Forehead Lines
- Scowlines
- Bunny Lines
- Brow Lift
- Crow’s Feet
- Lip Lined/ Lip Flip
- Dimples Chin, orange peel effect
- Platysma (Vertical Neck Cords), muscles that are more prominent when you clench your jaw
- Hyperhidrosis, symptoms of severe underarm sweating
- Masseter (TMJ)/ Face Slimming
- Headache/ Migraine Relief
What Are The Similarities Between Botox Versus Dysport?
They are both neuromodulators or neurotoxins (forms of botulinum toxin type A) that the FDA has approved to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox and Dysport paralyze facial muscles and cause lines and wrinkles.
The process involves injecting either of the two to target muscle area that temporarily blocks the nerve impulses that control muscle contraction. As a result, the lack of movement and the relaxation of muscles can minimize fine lines and wrinkles in the area. However, the results of both Botox and Dysport are temporary.
After some time, nerve impulses again reach the treated area, resulting in muscle contractions, wrinkles, and lines reappearance. Overall, positive results of Botox or Dysport can be maintained with the help of an experienced injector and with regular treatment sessions approximately every 3-4 months.
What Are The Differences Between Botox And Dysport?
- Molecule size. When comparing the two, the Dysport formula contains smaller molecules, unlike Botox. This only means that smaller molecules enable Dysport to work faster than the other and a larger area of spreading, which can benefit some areas of the face. For this reason, it is important to go to a provider with expertise and lots of experience in proper dosing and placement of Botox or Dysport.
- Diffusion. Compared to Botox, Dysport spreads out more. Once the injection is done, Dysport can spread to a broader area, making it beneficial to address larger treatment areas, such as the forehead. On the other hand, The diffusion in Botox can be more effective in addressing smaller areas where there is a need for more precision or those areas with thicker muscles.
- Onset. Dysport has the quickest “onset” of action than Botox, typically requiring 24 hours for all results to be realized. On the other hand, Botox can take up to 72 hours for all results to fully establish.
Are Botox and Dysport Safe?
Botox and Dysport are both FDA-approved and are totally safe to treat wrinkles. Like any medical treatment comes with the risk of unintended side effects, Dysport and Botox are no exception.
Botox and Dysport have a slight risk of botulinum toxicity, which occurs when the injection spreads to another body part. Some signs of botulinum toxicity include droopy eyelids, facial muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and difficulty swallowing, eating, breathing, or speaking. If any of these signs might happen, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
In addition, both Dysport and Botox have a slight risk of minor side effects. Dysport’s most common side effects include injection site pain, swelling around the eyelids, rash, infection, and headaches, which should disappear within a few days. More serious side effects of Dysport include nausea, sinusitis, and upper respiratory issues.
On the other hand, Botox’s most common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness, and headache. The side effects should disappear within a week. A more serious and rare side effect of Botox is paralysis which may be permanent.
Which Is The Better Option, Botox Or Dysport?
To determine whether Botox or Dysport is the right treatment option, it would help to consider the areas of the face to target and the severity of existing wrinkles. For those wanting to target severe lines around your glabella, Dysport may be ideal.
On the other hand, Botox is an option for those looking to treat more minor lines on their forehead. Perhaps the best way to determine the best option is to speak with a qualified and experienced medical professional.
Final Thoughts
The best option between Botox and Dysport may come from the simple preference of both the injector and the patient. Sevid Beauty & Aesthetics offers BOTOX® or Dysport®, which are used to treat and prevent these signs of aging. Furthermore, they will determine which neuromodulator will deliver smooth, natural-looking results based on their client’s specific needs and goals.
